Mulch ado about nothing

Fire fighters have been called back several times to a fire in a huge wood mulch heap in Beenham,

The fire broke out on Friday on land run by Grundon in Bath Road.

After containing the blaze the fire fighters were called back to the scene when it flared up again.

However the site, which Grundon owns but is run by an independent operator, has now been handed back to the landowners and the fire brigade is monitoring the situation.

The site is surrounded by a 10ft wall.

Ellie Gray of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The mulch is in a contained area, away from residential housing.

"Fire crews have determined that this incident poses no threat to people, property or the environment and, as such, the best course of action is to allow it to burn itself out naturally.

"The fire has been burning for a few days now and, due to the amount of mulch involved, is likely to continue for several more days at least.

"You may see smoke in the area and the fire is likely to be particularly visible at night.

"However, RBFRS would like to reassure the public that this is a controlled burning and that we continue to work with Grundon, West Berkshire Council and the Environment Agency to monitor the situation."